a professor at the UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) and former chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, died on Aug. 14. He was 49
The University announced his death in a Facebook post
“The community expresses solidarity with his bereaved loved ones in this time of profound grief […]Paalam at maraming salamat, Professor Dones,” the post read
Dones began teaching at the University in 2004. At CRS, he taught courses on anatomy and research; at the UST Graduate School, he taught courses on orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and manual physical therapy
CRS and the UST Physical Therapy Society paid tribute to Dones
“More than a teacher, researcher, and colleague, Dr. Dones was a cherished part of the CRS community. His dedication to his profession, commitment to his students, and meaningful contributions to education and research have left a lasting mark on the many lives he touched,” the college said
“As a former adviser of the Physical Therapy Society, he also guided and supported the organization and its students beyond the classroom,” the society said
Prof. Donald Manlapaz, dean of CRS, described the late professor as a highly dedicated and exceptional colleague.
“He was hardworking, highly dedicated, and always thought outside the box. As a fellow co-author in several published articles, I found him to be very meticulous and an excellent writer. He was deeply committed to scholarship and research,” he said.
The Philippine Physical Therapy Association Inc. mourned the passing of Dones, who served as its vice president for internal affairs from 2008 to 2010
“We remember his dedication to the profession, his meaningful service to the physical therapy community, and the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions will continue to inspire generations of physical therapists,” the association said
The JBI Philippines Center for Health Research and Movement Science likewise paid tribute to Dones, its former director
“His commitment to rigorous, inclusive, and locally relevant evidence will continue to shape evidence-based healthcare in the Philippines for years to come,” it said
Dones founded the startup PainFree, which offers physiotherapy services such as taping techniques, scans to detect fascia adhesions, pain-release treatments, and a certification and training program he developed
He served as a researcher at the UST Center for Health Research and Movement Science under the Evidence-Based Healthcare research interest group
Dones earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical therapy from UST and his doctorate in health sciences from the University of South Australia
In 2024, he was named Most Outstanding Professional in Physical Therapy by the Professional Regulation Commission
His wake was held at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. His remains were laid to rest at Eternal Lawns II, Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Parañaque
